New Apostolic Vicar for Nekemte in Ethiopia

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the Apostolic vicariate of Nekemte in Etiopia presented by Bishop Theodorus van Ruijven having reached the age limit of 75 for holding hat office. At the same time, the Holy father named the coadjutor of Nekeme, Bishop Varghese Thottamkara to succeed him. They are both members of the Congregation of the Mission, also known as Vincentians or Lazarists.The Apostolic Vicariate of Nekemte was erected in 1982. It covers an area of 98,972 km. sq., with a population of over 6,500,000, of which 45,000 are Catholics.